About Maureen S.

About Maureen

•The styles I teach most often are jazz, classical and popular. Although I have studied many different genres, my specialties are saxophone and composition. I have studied with music teachers such as Anthony Braxton, Herb Pomeroy, Charlie Banacos, Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Burton, Joe Viola, Ken Pullig, John LaPorta, Hal Crook, James Newton and Ken Radnofsky. If you are enrolled by October, you have the opportunity to enroll in MTAC Certificate of Merit and Composer's Today programs and recitals.

•9/1997 – Present San Lorenzo (CA) Unified School District Independent Music Teacher 9/1990  11/1997 St. Felicitas School SanLeandro, CA St. John School Fiat School of Music Music Unlimited San Lorenzo, CA Pinole, CA San Leandro, CA Provide individual and group music instruction to people from age 3 to 99. Deliver instruction based on Music Tea

• Listed in Who’s Who Among International Professional Educators. • Listed in Who’s Who in American Education • Listed in Who’s Who Among American Women • Listed in Who’s Who in America • Six Lessons published in • Recognition for Self-Assembly Method Instructional Design Theory • Published article in OnCUE, Journal of Computer Using Educators

• Member Music Educators National Conference • Member Technology Institute for Music Educators. Lesson plan published on their Web Site. • Member California Music Educators and present music technology sessions for educators at the Bay Section Conferences.

• Deliver instruction in the area of the curriculum pertaining to National and District Music Standards. • Create and implement lesson plans, rubrics and assessments. • Organize and produce Winter and Spring Concerts. • Experience working with children with challenging behaviors and disabilities (Special Day Class and Continuation School).

• Provide children with learning experiences that promote their cognitive, social and emotional development. • Experience in teaching students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. • Communicate with parents. Handle record-keeping of grades and attendance. • Work cooperatively with other education professionals.

• Organize and produce Winter and Spring Recitals, including County Recitals for the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Communicate with parents. Handle advertising and record-keeping of tuition payments.  Vice-President of the Alameda County Branch of the Music Teachers Association of California. Attend Board meetings and plan guest speakers  Licensed Kindermusik instructor for children ages 18 mos. to 7 years.  Students chosen for State and County Honors Recitals.  Listed in National Honor Roll, National Guild of Piano Teachers; Member Music Teachers National Association.  Taught Undergraduate Musicianship class as a Graduate Assistant at Mills College.

•Professional Freelance Musician 9/1984  12/1995 Boston, MA; Bay Area, CA Performed own compositions and others works in various styles in innumerable local venues and clubs such as The Oakland Museum, Yerba Buena Gardens, The Valencia Café, Trans America Building, the Marriott Hotel, as well as in Las Vegas. She have performed with musicians such as Vijay Iyer, Anthony Braxton, MCHammer, Luciana Souza, Lloyd Nibbs (Skatalites), Fred Lonberg-Holm,Andy Borger (Norah Jones), Stuart Popejoy, Aaron Stewart, SheilaSofian, William Calhoun (Living Color), Sean Kennerly (Samiam) and Joey Cheezhee. CD Recording on Curious Pogos Records:Frederick Lonberg Holms Theory of Motion.  Composed music on Sheila Sofians Animations Faith and Patience and Secret Rage. Won 15 awards in International and National Film Festivals. Broadcast on WHYY TV12 and WYBE TV35 Educational Stations.  Honorable Mention in Composition: City of Oakland Creative Arts Fellowship.  Live Performances on KPFA, KNBR and KALX radio stations.

•EDUCATION Ph.D. in Education (10/2013). Specialization in Professional Studies Capella University Teaching Credential: K-12 Single Subject Music 8/1999 Chapman University GPA 3.9 US-CA-Concord Master of Fine Arts degree in Electronic Music and Recording Media with an emphasis in Composition 5/1992 Mills College GPA 3.64 US-CA-Oakland Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging 5/1987 Berklee College of Music US-CA-Boston GPA 3.59 Cum Laude

*** Lesson Details ***I am interested in teaching you what you need and want to learn so that you achieve your dreams. Please note that I only take serious students who will practice at least 30 minutes every day or 35 a day 6 days a week at home. I would like you to keep a log of how much you practice. This will enable you to make progress through the curriculum as you will be a beginner for the first 3.3 years, an intermediate for the next 3.3 years, and then an advanced student for 3.3 years. I will give you assignments to do over the week, and the next week we will go over them, learn something new and get new assignments. It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert!

*** Studio Equipment ***Currently I am converting my detached garage into a music studio with keyboard and instruments. There is a sitting room where parents can wait for their children. In the meantume, we will have lessons in my living/dining room.

Reviews

I highly recommend Dr Maureen Spanza . She has been wonderful with teaching my granddaughter

Kristina B. March 1, 2017·Violin·In studio

Wonderful teacher.. very happy

Ruth January 9, 2017·Piano·In studio

Dr. Maureen Spranza, is a great music teacher, my son is taking piano classes with her and I'm very grateful with her, because she always take the extra time to make sure my kid is learning, my kid loves Mrs. Maureen because she is a great teacher but also she is a great human being, she really cares about her students. And she not only plays the piano, she plays all the instruments, I hope to see my son become a great musician thanks to the dedication that Maureen puts in his classes, my kid loves his piano classes, every time after clases he came home very exited to practice what he learned and al of this if because Dr. Maureen encourage him to be better in Avery class

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Maureen S.

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Maureen S.

San Leandro, CA 94577

(12)

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

About Joe D.

Focus on strong foundation and then the lessons focus on achieving the personal goal of each student. An extensive practice routine is built for each student depending on ability level that will help achieve their goal.

Joe D.

Joe D.

About Mack R.

I am a retired band/music teacher. I have taught private lessons and group lessons for clarinet. I am capable of teaching from beginning level to intermediate level. I develop students skills to play band, solo, or ensemble playing.

About Mack

I have a BS in music education received at Lehman College, Bronx, NY. I am a professional musician/ composer/ arranger.I received my teaching credentials at SFSU and have been a General music teacher as well as a, band teacher. I have studied trumpet with Classical ( Wilmer Wise)and Jazz musician (Bill Hardman) and big band arranging with Frank Foster( saxophonist and arranger with Count Basie Band). At present I am retired and teaching privately.

I have been teaching music for over 50 years as well as being a professional musician/ composer and arranger. I not only know my fundamentals inside and out, but also I know many tricks of the trade. Over the years I have developed special teaching techniques that enable students to make sense out of music and progress rapidly on their instruments.I love playing music and aim at stirring that

same kind of excitement abut music in my students.

To each lesson I bring a unique mix, encouraging the student to pursue excellence and also have fun. I am well qualified to teach: woodwinds( oboe, flute, clarinet, all saxophones) brass(french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba), and piano.

*** Lesson Details ***I make music interesting to learn. I encourage students to practice daily so they can improve. The more they improve the more fun they can have with music not only alone, but with others.

I am very patient with my students especially with beginners. I know that for them it is like learning a new language. Once they begin to increase their musical vocabulary, they will enjoy what they can do with music.

*** Travel Equipment ***Students should provide their own instruments.

...

Reviews

Tyler C. February 27, 2018·Trumpet·In home

Mack is a great teacher supportive, demanding, and keeps positive. Just what my 10 year old son needs.

Sylvia

Kate September 5, 2017·Clarinet·In studio

First clarinet lesson today with Mack Ruck. I'm a rank beginner, which is why I chose Mack. I figured that a band and orchestra teacher would have encountered many of me over his career in the schools, and know how to work with different styles of learning. He also would be able to explain stuff simply from the very base level. I was really right! I came out of the lesson knowing how to read and play middle C through A (not very well, but that's why we practice). I learned ways to make the note actually sound, what you can do to screw up the sound or make it clear and on-key. Not too shabby for starting the half hour without being able to make a sound on the clarinet. So he's a great teacher. He's also the most patient guy on earth, with nerves of iron!

Emiliano A. August 28, 2017·Clarinet·In studio

Mack is an amazing teacher! He is kind but gently moved my son along in his musical skills.

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Mack R.

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Mack R.

Oakland, CA 94607

(24)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Thomas W.

Clarinet is my primary instrument. I can help beginners get started or coach advanced students who are preparing for auditions.

About Thomas

Thomas J. W. is an active music teacher, composer, adjudicator, and clinician in the greater Philadelphia area. He has over fifteen years experience as a concert band director, marching band director, jazz improvisation instructor, choral director, private instructor, and marching drill writer. His directing career has included small rural band programs, small metro programs, large high-achieving suburban programs, and non-profit youth bands. In addition to his band compositions, he also has over forty unpublished vocal arrangements to his credit, most written for use with collegiate men's a cappella groups. Thomas taught over 600 online and local private music lessons in 2016.

Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from The Pennsylvania State University. He holds a teaching certificate in the states of Pennsylvania

and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. In addition to both instrumental and choral ensembles at Penn State, Thomas was a student leader in the Penn State Blue Band and a member of the brass section of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993 and 1994. He served as an Associate Director of the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005. He also served as a visual staff member for the renowned North Penn Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA for one season in 2004.

He is a current adjudicator with Drum Corps International and Cavalcade of Bands. He is a member of MENC, PMEA, NJMEA, ASCAP, CASA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. He appeared in the Marquis Who's Who Among American Educators in 2004 and 2005, an honor rarely bestowed upon teachers, as students who appear in the Who's Who Among American High School Students must nominate them. He currently is a music teacher at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts of the PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA and resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons.

Thomas will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.

*** Lesson Details ***My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting.

I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.

For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.

My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes.

Thomas W.

Thomas W.

About Joseph C.

I am a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music & Jazz school with 20 years of professional experience. I have toured internationally and have played in many diverse musical arenas. The past 16 years of my music career have been spent in the bay area playing professionally and teaching privately.

My specialties are in jazz improvisation and music theory. My students range in age from 4 to 60, most being between the ages of 9 and 16. Many of my students attend the Urban School and School of the Arts here in San Francisco. Most of my students are at the top of their class in band and music theory studies and have made the San Francisco All-City Orchestra.

About Joseph

I am a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music & Jazz school with over 20 years of professional experience. I have toured internationally and have played in many diverse musical arenas. The past 16 years of my music career have been spent in the Bay area playing professionally and teaching privately.

My specialties are in jazz improvisation and music theory. My students range in age from 4 to 60, most being between the ages of 9 and 16. Many of my students attend the Urban School and School of the Arts here in San Francisco. Most of my students are at the top of their class in band and music theory studies and have made the San Francisco All-City Orchestra.

Specific credentials and references are available upon request. All levels welcome, serious students only.

...

Reviews

Vincent March 6, 2018·Saxophone·In home

My son got his first saxophone lessons and loved it. He is very excited to learn with Joseph!

Eric December 20, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

10/10

Robert G. July 6, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

Very friendly, pragmatic, and musical. Accurately assesses where I am and teaches accordingly.

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Joseph C.

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Joseph C.

San Francisco, CA 94121

(15)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

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About Rebecca K.

About Rebecca

Hello! I am a classically trained vocalist and percussionist, with a BA in Music, specializing in Education and Theory. I have taught band, choir, orchestra and piano in high school and middle school. I have also done Music Directing with kids aged 7-14 for various musicals and have taught elementary students aged 4-9, so I am ready for whatever you've got! I have also appeared on stage in various settings including opera, musical theater, solo work and even the occasional karaoke night. I am willing to work with your schedule and offer scholarships to those who are willing to earn them!

...

Reviews

Maria February 7, 2018·Bassoon·In home

Rebecca is an amazing person and one of the best teacher my son has ever had. She very knowledgeable about music. Rebecca tough him to play the bassoon, and my son has preformed in more than 4 concerts within 7 months period, Rebecca really made a difference in my child performance. She is reliable, very responsible, she always go the extra mile for her students. I highly recommend her as a music teacher.

DeJaiyah December 18, 2017·Piano·In studio

Very good with kids. Loved the whole experience

Kim Ho December 13, 2017·Singing·Online

Always Amazing!

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Rebecca K.

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Rebecca K.

Vallejo, CA 94590

(29)

starting at

$20
/ 30-min

About Kevin T.

I provide a solid education for building the fundamentals of playing clarinet. I have been trained by some of the most respected clarinetists in the country and have experience teaching students of all ages. Students will be assessed on an individual basis and a curriculum and teaching plan will be developed and tailored to their specific needs after our initial lesson.

About Kevin

Originating from San Francisco, clarinetist Kevin Tang earned a M.M. at the Manhattan School of Music, where he was a student of Mark Nuccio. Kevin earned a B.M. from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Luis Baez and was a recipient of the Phyllis C. Wattis Scholarship. Kevin attended the San Francisco School of the Arts High School, where he studied with Jerry Simas and Art Austin. During the 2008/2009 season, Kevin won the SFSOTA concerto competition and was also named Principal Clarinetist of the California Youth Symphony. Kevin is an active freelance musician in the Bay Area. Kevin was formerly the Principal Clarinetist of the Symphony Orchestra of the Americas, and has performed with the One World Symphony, Astoria Symphony, Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, LoftOpera, Phoenix Quarte

t, Tactus, New York Repertory Orchestra, Ohio Light Opera, San Francisco Wind Ensemble, Symphony Parnassus, Cazadero Symphony and Berkeley Symphony. During the summers of 2012 and 2013, Kevin was the Clarinet Instructor at Cazadero Music Camp. Kevin has attended the Hot Springs Music Festival and Miami Summer Music Festival, and has been a member of the Ohio Light Opera. Kevin is also an active clarinet teacher. Kevin teaches through Discover Melody. Kevin maintains a private studio of students and has also taught through the Harmony Program, a nonprofit organization that brings intensive after-school music programs to communities with limited access to instrumental music education.

...

Reviews

Tim V. January 11, 2018·Clarinet·In home

Kevin was able to understand my problem right from the start and customize the first lesson to help me move forward.

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Kevin T.

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Kevin T.

San Francisco, CA 94122

(1)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Robin L.

Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to play a few folk songs and as time goes on you'll be able to treble clef fluently. I specialize in classical music, typically use traditional band method books, and have the following tools available for your lessons: metronome, and laptop. I love working with students of all ages and experience levels and I can't wait to meet you!

About Robin

Hi, there! My name is Robin L. and I can't wait to meet you! I've been teaching private lessons since 2014 and have loved helping my students learn to play their band instrument for solo competitions, or just for fun! I went to Roberts Wesleyan College and earned a degree in music education (K-12) in 2016. I'm an energetic and fun person. I believe that with hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything; but I also believe that the process should be fun! I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

...

Reviews

Reed September 9, 2017·Clarinet·In home

Robin was early to our first lesson. She worked with my son easily, he felt comfortable with her. She helped him with his fingering and gave tips for the difficult notes. We look forward to working with her for the next month.

Kris June 29, 2017·Clarinet·In home

Robin is friendly, supportive, knowledgeable, and a skilled teacher. We appreciated her help.

Pratyush June 27, 2017·Piano·In home

Don't trust Robin as your kids teacjher!

When we stumbled upon her - we read her reviews and ended up in requesting a session with Robin. I gave a schedule and Robin agreed to that. I was very specific in setting the expectation with take lessons that i am looking to utilize summer vacations as much as possible. Robin takes the first lesson (which was an ice breaker for my 6 year old daughter, as first lesson cannot be more than that). But as soon as the lesson was over, Robin sends the initiation that she is out for 2 weeks. Not only that, the very next class she just abruptly cancels the session. She very well knew that how keen we were for her to cover up as much ground as possible. TO explain a 6 year old such a behavior is not easy. It's negative attitude from Robin and had to somehow makeup something for my daughter. We ended up canceling all her sessions. Robin did not even feel necessary to call and schedule in such a way that its a progress for my daughter. I wrote 2-3 emails and we called 3 times. She did not respond to any of our calls. I you are looking for your child - i would not recommend Robin to be trusted. Just keep away from her.
When i was scheduling

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Robin L.

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Robin L.

San Jose, CA 95112

(12)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Tomoko M.

Experienced clarinet teacher of 10 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages!I graduated Eastman School of Music( Master of Music) in 2010.I have studied clarinet with professionals including Jon Manasse, Richard Stoltzman, and Alessandro Calbonare.I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of classical clarinet skills.

About Tomoko

My name is Tomoko and I teach the clarinet.I've been teaching private lessons since 2006 and have loved helping my students.I went to Eastman School of Music and earned a degree in Master of Music in 2010.I am a native Japanese speaker, so I can help you to learn Japanese!I look forward to helping you reach your goals!Please visit my website to look for my bio and performance.www.tomokomacintyre.com

Tomoko M.

Tomoko M.

About Julian S.

Students will learn how to put their instrument together, basic maintenance, learn to read music, lean fingerings, and perform for the instructor every week.

About Julian

Based in San Jose, California, Julian Salazar is a classical saxophonist who devotes himself to making, performing, and teaching music. Being originally from Arizona, he placed in competitive groups from the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) at the regional and state levels from 2011-2014. From 2013-2014 he was the principal alto saxophonist in the Phoenix Youth Symphony and he was awarded the Great Performer’s 1st place certificate from the music academy, Rosie’s House. Since then, Julian has taken his talents to the National Music Festival (2012-2016) held in Chestertown, Maryland and Mana Saxophone Institute (2017) held in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where he played the soprano saxophone in the Mana Saxophone Orchestra. This past summer, he participated as the soprano saxophonist of the Cabrillo Music Festival held in Santa Cruz,

California and he played at the Center for New Music where he premiered two new works written for saxophone trio by composer, Danny Clay.

Currently, Julian holds the soprano chair in the award-winning Zēlos Saxophone Quartet. Being one of the founding members, this group was found in 2016 and in 2017 the group took 1st place in the Music Teachers’ National Association (MTNA) Competition for the state of California and also 1st place in the MTNA Southwest Region Competition. Outside of competitions, Zēlos actively performs around the San Francisco Bay Area through organizations such as Groupmuse, as well as churches, and they also do educational outreach.

...

Reviews

Kelly March 5, 2018·Clarinet·In home

My daughter started lessons just a couple weeks ago and she has learned so much already! Julian is patient, consistent, and makes us feel comfortable. Very good teacher.

Gabriel February 28, 2018·Saxophone·In home

I study with Mr.Salazar outside of takelessons.com, but I thoroughly enjoy lessons with him and he is so insightful. He has helped me a lot with my technique which was definitely not my strong suit when we started lessons. He always pushes me to do better in a positive way!

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Clarinet Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Clarinet instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Tim

"Kevin was able to understand my problem right from the start and customize the first lesson to help me move forward."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Kevin T.

Review by Peter

"Thanks Mack!"

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Mack R.

Review by Benji

"Joseph is a great instructor. He is teaching me exactly what I want to learn and is helping me set good goals for the future."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Joseph C.

Review by Emiliano

"Mack is an amazing teacher! He is kind but gently moved my son along in his musical skills."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Mack R.

Review by Jake

"Very good teacher."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Mack R.

Review by Kate

"First clarinet lesson today with Mack Ruck. I'm a rank beginner, which is why I chose Mack. I figured that a band and orchestra teacher would have encount

ered many of me over his career in the schools, and know how to work with different styles of learning. He also would be able to explain stuff simply from the very base level. I was really right! I came out of the lesson knowing how to read and play middle C through A (not very well, but that's why we practice). I learned ways to make the note actually sound, what you can do to screw up the sound or make it clear and on-key. Not too shabby for starting the half hour without being able to make a sound on the clarinet. So he's a great teacher. He's also the most patient guy on earth, with nerves of iron!"